Ch. 8 Naomi

“What is an example of emotions influencing one’s powers?”

I place my head in my hands as my instructor repeats the question for the third time: “You continuing to repeat the question is not going to make the answer come to me any quicker.” I start to rub my temples as my head starts to hurt, and I begin to feel extremely hot. “We’ve been at this for hours, and I feel like my brain is about to explode.” Someone walks into the library, but I don’t look up and groan.

“Maybe we should call it a day for now.” I hear Alex tell the instructor. “Are you feeling ok?” I shake my head.

“My head is pounding, and I feel like I’m on fire.” He places his hand on my back, and I look up at him. “This seems worse than my usual episodes.”

“That is probably because you’re overwhelmed. Your emotions can influence the severity. How about maybe relaxing in the pool for a bit? It will help you cool down.” I nod my head, close the book in front of me, and place it in my bag.

I notice a burning smell and frown. “Is something burning?” As if on cue, smoke starts to come up from my hand where I am holding onto my bag, and I drop it. Alex chuckles and pats my bag to keep it from catching fire.

“Don’t worry, that's normal, especially when angry or frustrated.” I slowly nod my head as Alex grabs my bag for me. “I will carry this for you until you calm and cool down a bit.”

“Well, I have the answer to the question he was asking now.” We both laugh as he walks me to my room to get changed. I change into a bathing suit and step out of the room, making my way to the pool. My mind wanders through the past week since waking up in Daemonium and I realize this is the most relaxed I have felt my entire life. I smile softly to myself as I walk down the hall and think about how much Alex, Reina, and AJ have made me feel at home. When I get to the pool I sit my things down on one of the chairs and slide in. I swim underwater before sitting on the bench, in the pool, and looking up at the sky.

I feel much calmer now versus during my lesson. I think about my life back in the human realm wondering if anyone misses me or is wondering what happened to me. “Can I join you?” Alexavier asks and I nod as he sits on the edge only putting his feet in. “I wanted to see how you were adjusting.” He says softly.

I shrug my shoulders, “Ok, I guess” I say softly. Alexavier looks at me waiting for me to elaborate. I sigh heavily, “I miss my friends and my little brother. You guys have definitely made me feel welcomed and included me but I still feel like a black sheep” He nods thoughtfully.

“Despite knowing you are my child, do you consider yourself my child?” His question throws me off before I hesitantly shake my head. “Is it because we don't treat you like it or you still aren't sure?”

“Because you don't treat me like it.” I say softly. Alexavier nods thoughtfully and just smiles at me.

“We have been trying to give you time to adjust to things here and didn't want to seem too pushy for you to accept us as your parents. In the human world it's been a year while here it's only been 6 months, we wanted to give you time.” I nod understanding. “We can start slow, which includes me giving you a bit more trust than I have been.” Alexavier says while pulling something from his pocket. “It's set up to communicate to both realms now, I am trusting that you will use it responsibly. I've already programmed all of our numbers in it for you.” My eyes light up when I see it’s my phone.

“Thank you.” I smile when he hands it to me. He nods standing up and heads back inside and I immediately start checking messages and social media.